How much of a role will 5-star Penn State commit Micah Parsons’ dad play in his final decision?

Penn State commit Micah Parsons was back in the headlines last week after Ohio State offered the 5-star defensive end.

For what it’s worth, the Harrisburg, Pa., native has indicated that he’s firm in his commitment to the Nittany Lions. His father, Terrence, however, insinuated that may not entirely be the case.

In an interview with Brian Linder of PennLive.com, the father of the 2018 star said that he would prefer see his son play at Penn State or Ohio State, and he insinuated the Lions’ success (or lack of) on the field could help determine the younger Parsons’ future.

“I would like to see (Penn State) beat one of the big three … Ohio State, Michigan State or Michigan,” Terrence told PennLive.com. “I hear the young guys talk. I think that (4-star defensive back) Lamont Wade from Clairton wants to go to Penn State worse than anything. But, I think a lot of these kids are waiting until the end of the season to see how they do.”

Beyond the play on the field, the elder Parsons said that if his son saw what some Penn State fans say about him, he wouldn’t end up in Happy Valley.

“He’s a 17-year-old kid that likes to eat, and wants to meet the players,” Parsons said when discussing his son’s plan to attend the Michigan BBQ. “I’m glad he doesn’t read some of the comments on the articles about him because he probably wouldn’t go (to Penn State).”

Parsons was clear in saying that he wanted the decision to be his son’s, but he’s there for advice. Micah still intends to take several visits, but that’s more for the experience, his father says.

“I’m not into decommitting and going back-and-forth,” Parsons said. “I told him, ‘Whether you are a Penn State commit or not, it’s your choice.’ ”

Parsons, however, added: “But, at the end of the day, it’s not decommitting if another school comes in and steals your heart.”